Reproductive Cloning Pros and Cons List

Reproductive cloning is a method of asexual procreation. Reproductive cloning develops an exact or identical replica of a person or animal. Genetic engineering is advanced enough to create a living identical version of yourself or anyone you want. Reproductive cloning is not only applicable for those living but also those who are dead. While it is a feat in genetic engineering, it is widely deemed unethical and even unnatural. There are countries that have banned reproductive cloning and prohibit all kinds of research or experimentation pertaining to the same. In any case, reproductive cloning doesn’t have any worldwide safety or industry standard. The technologies and methods used have not been proven to be perfect on a large scale.

List of Pros of Reproductive Cloning

1. Genetically Related Kids
Reproductive cloning allows people who cannot conceive naturally to have children that are genetically related. Reproductive cloning is not necessarily about creating identical children. Genetic engineering makes it possible to alter genes so one can have genetically related but not identical children. Whether it is adoption or using a surrogate wherein there is a third person donating the sperm, there is no genetic connection between the intended parents and the newborn.

2. No Donor or Genetic Surrogate Required
Homosexual couples, be it gays or lesbians, can have kids who are genetically related and without using any donor or surrogate. Since no egg or sperm is required for reproductive cloning, it is a solution for gay and lesbian couples intending to become parents. There is the need of a surrogate to carry the baby through the development but there is no genetic contribution of the surrogate.

3. Renewed Life
Extinct animals can be brought back to life with reproductive cloning. Dead people can be cloned. Death is irreparable but kids dying young can be devastating for the parents. Reproductive cloning can help one to address the loss.

List of Cons of Reproductive Cloning

1. Loss of Genetic Uniqueness
Reproductive cloning leads to preferential treatments. Traits that are deemed desirable will be cherry picked and genetic attributes that are not desirable will be avoided. While this may seem useful in many ways, it does augur well for genetic diversity. There will be reducing uniqueness among humans and animals. Whether it is physical appearance or individuality, everything will come under the direct influence of genetic preferences.

2. It is Unsafe
Reproductive cloning is not safe. 95% of experiments attempting reproductive cloning of mammals have been a failure.

3. It is Unnatural
There is no questioning the fact that it is not a natural process. Morality, ethics and what is acceptable in our society do beg attention while debating the reproductive cloning pros and cons.